The Arkansas Tech Golden Suns are predicted to finish third in the Great American Conference in 2013-14, according to the coaches’ poll released by the GAC on Tuesday.

Arkansas Tech collected 81 points in the coaches’ poll, including one first-place vote. Southwestern Oklahoma State earned second place with 92 points and four first-place votes. Harding was picked to win the conference with 95 points and six first-place votes.

“The preseason poll is good for our fans and the media to see what the other coaches think about our teams in the league,” said head coach Dave Wilbers. “We are excited about our returning players who are better than they were last year and about our new players who bring athleticism, scoring, and winning traditions from their previous schools. With so many teams returning most of their top players, our league could be one of the strongest in the nation.”

Back on the hardwood this season are sophomore forward Caroline Eubanks, one of the leading rebounders for the Golden Suns averaging 6.3 per game, sophomore guard Cara Neighbors, who averaged 4.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game, and junior forward Jae Tucker.

The Golden Suns finished the 2012-13 season 23-7 overall and 17-3 in conference. They won the conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament where they fell in the first round to Minnesota State-Mankato.

Arkansas Tech must replace some big starters from last season. Rosie Silva, who earned a laundry list of postseason honors, being named Third Team All-American, Daktronics All-Region Second Team, First Team All-GAC, All-Tournament Team, GAC Player of the Year, and GAC Defensive Player of the Year. Also, Jessica Weatherford who earned First Team All-GAC.

“It is an exciting time of the year for our players, coaches and fans with preseason practice going on and the start of the season a few weeks away,” said Wilbers. “Our team has been working to build the foundation to our season with conditioning, practice, and developing our team. As coaches we have been teaching our concepts and our expectations of our system and have been very pleased with the learning process of our players.”

Arkansas Tech will open up play at home on Friday against Central Baptist. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.